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Explanation of Stating Document Specifications - Succeed Using FrameMaker. Also refer to Adobe, type, report, book, page layout, size, column, margin, paragraph, font, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Stating Document Specifications for FrameMaker

by Ron Kurtus (16 November 2006)

Before you start using Adobe FrameMaker on a new document, you should define the specifications for the document in writing. You need to state the type of document you are creating, the page layout for the various elements, and the characteristics of the various document elements. Pre-defining your document allows you to effectively format your template, once in FrameMaker.

Questions you may have include:

• What types of documents can you define?
• What is done in specifying page layout?
• What document elements are there?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Define type of document

You need to define what type of document you are creating and its major features.

Is it a short single-sided report? Or is it a longer double-sided book, consisting of several chapters? Will the first page be different than the other pages? Is there a separate section for introductory pages? Will you have a table of contents and index?

You can get a good idea of the types of documents from the standard templates that come with FrameMaker. Examples of single-sided documents include:

• Business letter
• Reports
• Outlines

You can also download templates from Adobe and other sources. Examples of such double-sided documents are:

• Books, consisting of
  • Front matter
  • Table of contents
  • Chapters
  • Index
• Online single source books
• Newsletters
• Structured documents

State page layout

Next you need to consider the page layout. Unless you are using the default settings, you need to define the following dimensions:

• What is the page size?
• How many columns will you have?
• What are the margins?
• Do some pages have special configurations?

Write down your layout needs and measurements.

Define document elements

Finally, you need to define the characteristics of the items in your document.

• What type of paragraphs and heading specifications, do you have?
• How are the tables formatted?
• What fonts and special text characteristics will you have?

Summary

Before you start working on a new document, you should define your specifications in writing. State the type of document you are creating, the page layout for the various elements, and the characteristics of the various document elements. This allows you to effectively format your template, once in FrameMaker.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Know what you're going to do

Resources

Items of interest on this topic:

Websites

FrameMaker Resources

Books

Top-rated books on FrameMaker

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why should you write down your specifications before starting?

2. Do the page layout values vary in a book?

3. What are typical paragraph settings for a heading?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in using FrameMaker. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Stating Document Specifications for FrameMaker